November 2016: Skater of the Month

NOVEMBER 2016: SIN ESPERANZA #21, SLAUGHTERERS

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO GET INVOLVED IN ROLLER DERBY?

I saw my first bout as a fan, and I instantly knew that I had to play. It wasn’t an easy road though, when I started I could barely stand on my skates.

THE SPORT IS HIGHLY PHYSICAL. HAVE YOU EVER GOTTEN INJURED?

It is a VERY physical sport but that’s part of why I love it so much. I tore my right PCL in my very first derby scrimmage, and then I tore my left one right before this last season. I’ve been lucky to have such great medical care (shoutout to Dr. Dietrich and Devin) that have gotten me back on my skates quickly.

A BIG MISCONCEPTION IS THAT ALL DERBY PLAYERS ARE “TOUGH BROADS” AND NOT AT ALL FEMININE. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

I love my heels just as much as I love my skates. A big misconception about female athletes in general is that you can’t be feminine and tough / strong. That’s just not true, i think part of femininity is showing your strength. Get it girls!!!

IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND TALK TO YOURSELF AS A NEWBIE SKATER, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE HER?

Don’t get discouraged. Keep practicing, you will get that skill down! And, don’t compare yourself to others and their progress. Some people can just pick up a skill like nothing, but that doesn’t mean you should be able to. Hard work will pay off!